PROFILE: NICHOLAS FERGUSON MOVES TO THE HOT SEAT
AS an art-loving City veteran who has held a series of senior positions in private equity, Nicholas Ferguson’s pedigree could not be more different to that of James Murdoch, the transatlantic former whiz kid.
Ferguson (right) is, however, trusted by the Murdoch family and that partly explains why he has been elevated at Sky. He has been on the board of the broadcaster since 2004 – and was seen as de facto chairman during last year’s failed takeover talks with News Corporation – but has spent much of his career in the buyout sector. Last month he signalled change could be afoot when he said he would leave private equity house SVG Capital after 28 years. He may be best-known for his 2007 remark that some buyout executives “pay less tax than a cleaning lady” but now, a higher profile awaits. (Peter Edwards)